Tim Cook vs The FBI

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple is currently number one on the FBI’s most wanted list. But not for the usual reasons or suspects. Anybody who knows me knows that I am a staunch privacy advocate. But this recent standoff between Tim Cook and the FBI is crazy. I never thought I would see the day when terrorists are being protected from the very people who are supposed to keep us safe.

Today’s cell phones are the bad guys favorite and most formidable weapon. From detonating bombs, to mobile communications, to a computer in your pocket. It’s the cat’s meow.

“The government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers — including tens of millions of American citizens — from sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals,” Cook wrote. “The same engineers who built strong encryption into the iPhone to protect our users would, ironically, be ordered to weaken those protections and make our users less safe.” You can read the full letter on Apple’s website.

Let’s face it — this is really about grabbing free publicity for Apple. Donald Trump would be proud. I can read the headlines now “Apple Shuts Down the Feds”. Bully for you. The bad guys are applauding.

Sooner or later the authorities will get their way. After all, they are the good guys. Right? There’s always a solution and don’t tell me there is no room for compromise. We know you boys are smart, so listen up.

You don’t need a backdoor. Figure out a way to get into just this one iPhone that has a legal court warrant. Such as letting Apple techs unlock it under secure conditions then hide or destroy the key. After it’s open the FBI can look at it. How hard can that be. (Rhetorical).

Mr. Cook … stop grandstanding and help the authorities nab the bad guys. You created this can of worms. Now fix it. And FBI, don’t try to take advantage and get into everyone’s phone without a warrant.

Grow up and be reasonable. As far as I’m concerned if you don’t work this out you are aiding and abetting terrorism.

The clock is ticking. Every day that goes by is another day lost that might possibly prevent another tragedy.